Bashofu is a lightweight, breathable textile woven from fibers of the ito-basho plant, a local species of banana native to Okinawa. With its crisp texture, excellent durability, and cooling feel, Bashofu has long been valued as summer wear in the subtropical islands. Historical records suggest that Bashofu was already woven in the 13th century and was offered as tribute to China during the 16th century. It was also traded widely to mainland Japan during the Edo period. After declining during and after World War II, Bashofu was revived by master weaver Ms. Toshiko Taira, who established the modern style of Kijoka Bashofu through decades of research. All processes are still done by hand: cultivating ito-basho, extracting fibers (unodōshi), natural dyeing with plants, spinning, and weaving. Thanks to these efforts, Kijoka Bashofu is now recognized as an important cultural tradition of Okinawa, preserved and passed down to future generations.
Introducing Kijoka Bashofu on Kimonoen's Instagram

Photo courtesy of Kijoka Bashofu Business Association